Theresa's Story: When there’s a will, there’s a way

Theresa's Story: When there’s a will, there’s a way
For Theresa Acchione Parkinson, it’s been 15 years since her father passed away from glioblastoma brain cancer. And while Theresa hadn’t heard of Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada while her dad was alive, a few years after his passing, she discovered the charity soon after moving to Calgary. “It was almost odd – it felt like I started hearing about brain tumours everywhere,” recalls Theresa. “And despite my mourning for Dad, I knew I wanted to give back to other families facing this same battle.” 
 
Theresa remembers how all-consuming her father’s brain cancer journey was, but it’s with immense gratitude that she says she could be there with him. “I had a real appreciation for the fact that our family had the means to do Dad’s treatment and spend the time we wanted to with him. Not everyone is as fortunate, so if Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada can be there for these people, in any capacity, I want to support them.”
 
What started as volunteering for the charity’s Brain Tumour Information Day soon turned into helping coordinate the local Brain Tumour Walk and launching the Calgary support group for survivors and caregivers. Today, Theresa still takes part in the annual Walk event but has extended her support a whole new way through a Legacy Gift. “You get to a point in life when you start thinking of a will and any assets you have, and knowing my kids are taken care of, I want a say in where what’s left goes!” she explains, laughing. 
 
Theresa has decided to include Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in her will, as she believes it’s important to make a major impact if she can. “I understand that a bigger donation can really make a significant difference to the organization, so I want to help the Foundation achieve its ultimate goals: to find the cause of and cure for brain tumours,” she adds. “To me research is the only way to stop other people from having to go through this.”
 
Thank you Theresa for sharing your story and for your legacy gift!
The movement to end brain tumours is stronger because of you!

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